Supervisor Social Worker

New Zealand Government; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing focus

Training & development

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Christchurch is seeking a Social Work Team Lead to supervise a Papanui team, collaborating with Iwi and other government and non-government bodies to improve outcomes for tamariki and whānau.

You will identify development needs, support growth, and ensure timely decisions while guiding practice in line with our framework and standards.

Qualifications

• Full, clean, valid driver’s licence.
• Full registration with New Zealand SWRB.
• Social worker qualification recognised by SWRB.
• Previous people management and/or mentoring experience is essential.
• Ability to build and lead an effective team and be a team player.
• Proactive approach that places tamariki front and centre in all decisions and actions.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage competing demands.
• Knowledge of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and supervise a team of social workers across the Papanui area.
• Work closely with Iwi, government and non-government organisations to support tamariki and whānau.
• Identify professional development needs for your team and ensure growth.
• Manage workflow and ensure timely, well‑informed decisions.
• Uphold Oranga Tamariki values and align practice with our framework and standards.
• Collaborate with peer supervisors and leadership across the region.

Skills

Driver's license

SWRB registration

People management

Team leadership

Time management

Cross-cultural awareness

Tamaiti-focused approach

Education

SWRB-recognised social work qualification

Job description

Papanui Site - Permanent Full-time Position

Permanent, fulltime position available.

Position will be based at our Papanui Site.

We're offering a competitive salary starting from, $111,020 to $133,696, depending on experience.

We have an opportunity at our Papanui Site replacing an experienced employee. We are working with tamariki and whānau to make positive changes in our community.

We need people who have knowledge, experience and who are deeply passionate about whānau wellbeing.

We acknowledge that there is much work to do but we are up for it.

Our Site works hard to do things differently within the foundation of a whānau led approach focused on awhi and supporting whānau in mana-enhancing ways.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As part of this role you will need to lead, support and supervise a team of social workers working across the Papanui area. This team also works closely with Iwi and other government and non-government organisations, supporting our tamariki and whanau. The ability to build and maintain positive relationships across this area is of high importance.

The role requires you to identify the professional development needs of your team and ensure they are supported to grow their capability and practice depth. Manage workflow and ensure that the right decisions are made in a timely manner.

Everything you do needs to reflect the values of Oranga Tamariki, and assure professional practice is aligned with our Practice Framework, Principles and Standards. Partner and collaborate with peer supervisors across the region, including the wider leadership team and understanding the importance of your role in the wider operational setting.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• A full, clean, valid driver's licence
• Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB)
• A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
• Previous people management and/or mentoring experience is essential
• An ability to build and lead an effective team and be a team player
• A proactive approach that places the needs of tamariki front and centre in all decisions and actions
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage competing demands
• Knowledge of the principals and purposes of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.

Our vision is to ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child.

We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment of putting tamariki first, we believe aroha is vital, we respect the mana of people, we are tika and pono, we value whakapapa and we recognise that oranga is a journey.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We offer a vibrant and supportive team and a genuine commitment to wellbeing.

We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow.

We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.

This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

In addition we offer a competitive salary and generous benefits- https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Location and lifestyle | Manawatū Region

Move to the Manawatū where the grass is truly greener! The region has an ideal combination of vibrant city life and accessible rural pursuits, no matter what stage of life you're at, you'll love living in Manawatū. We've got everything you need to achieve the lifestyle you want, while not skimping on the essentials.

Why live and work in the Manawatu Region

Applications close: Wednesday 16 September 2026